A recent independent study indicates that specific Buddhist meditation techniques can improve concentration and awareness.
For centuries, the benefits of meditation have been espoused and debated. In the majority of the modern world, however, it is generally accepted that meditation offers tangible benefits for those who choose to practice it. Perhaps that is based on the idea that perceived gain is actual gain in the mind’s eye or perhaps it is simply based on the fact that society in general is much more familiar with the basic underlying concepts of meditation.

In a study that is slated to appear in the July 2010 issue of Psychological Science, researchers with Johns Hopkins University held meditation retreats with two groups of meditation aficionados. In the first group, specific Buddhist meditation techniques were applied and learned by the group. In the control group, meditation was practiced, but without the specific Buddhist techniques. The retreats lasted for 3 months and participants were tested periodically throughout their stay.

The group using being taught the Buddhist meditation techniques performed consistently better on concentration and focus tests throughout the duration of the study. After the initial retreat period ended, the control group was also taught the Buddhist techniques and re-tested. Their performance also improved on the tests. Test performances maintained their improvement for an average of five months after the initial period of the study.

The tests stressed prolonged focus and concentration, even when the subject matter of the task at hand was exceedingly boring. It is believed that the Buddhist meditation techniques allowed for the participants to maintain their focus by having a stronger control over their minds’ natural tendency to wander. Some of the tests described in the study, however, seemed a bit simplistic to draw any significant conclusions. For example, in one computer based test, participants were instructed to watch a screen that displayed lines of the same length over and over. When a shorter line appeared, they were instructed to click their mouse. It’s hard to imagine that one could attempt to suggest improved concentration based on the results of such a test, but that’s why I’m not a well-paid meditation researcher!

In reality, the study appears to be fairly exhaustive and the results are likely legitimate and sure to be well-documented. As someone who is only now beginning to explore meditation, I look forward to learning more about the specific types of Buddhist meditation techniques used in the study. In general terms, meditation has often been associated with a more peaceful being, both internally and externally. People have turned to meditation to help them with various nervous disorders, addictions and other psychological, neurological or emotional obstacles they are facing. This new study is so intriguing because it notes the likelihood that certain meditative techniques can actually improve cognitive performance and concentration, an added benefit that most practitioners of meditation will most certainly welcome.